Signs It’s Time to Get Your Boiler Repaired

Your boiler is the silent workhorse of your basement, providing your home with the heat needed to keep you and your family toasty through the cold, dark winter months. However, any full-service plumbing expert in Pittsburgh, PA, will tell you that there is no such thing as maintenance-free equipment, and your boiler needs regular service to operate at peak efficiency.

Stahl Plumbing examines the telltale signs that it’s time to schedule repairs for your boiler, or when you might need plumbing installation in Pittsburgh, PA.

A Chill in the Air

The first sign you might notice that something is amiss with your boiler is when you walk into a room that should be warm and it isn’t. Test the room’s radiator or baseboard heater. If it’s cold, then hot water from the boiler isn’t making it to the heater. A plumbing service in Pittsburgh, PA, can diagnose the problem and get it repaired quickly.

Can’t Keep the Light On

Gas-powered boilers rely on the pilot light to generate heat, and it should constantly be lit. If your boiler’s pilot light goes out easier than a birthday candle, it’s a sign that something is amiss. The issue here could be a faulty thermocouple. Any repair work involving a utility like electricity or natural gas can be tricky—not to mention potentially dangerous—and should be left to the professionals.

Grumbly, Rumbly Boiler

If it’s true that squeaky wheels get the grease, then noisy boilers need the attention. You don’t need to be a trained professional to realize that excessive banging, gurgling, and rumbling noises aren’t normal or ideal. It could be a sign that your boiler is overheating. Some locations across the country have hard water, and hard water will leave behind mineral deposits over time. Plumbing services in Pittsburgh, PA, can rid your boiler of these deposits and restore it to peak efficiency.

Where’s the Leak?

Ideally, your boiler shouldn’t be leaking. There are, however, a few key instances where you might see some water. Boilers are built with pressure relief valves that are designed to release steam in the rare occurrence that internal pressure gets too high. If you notice that the relief valve was triggered, it’s definitely recommended that you contact a professional. Beyond that, it could be loose seals or joints, which are fairly straightforward repairs.

Time for a New Boiler?

A regular maintenance schedule can keep your boiler operational and efficient for years. However, even the most well-maintained boiler will eventually need replacing. Here are some signs that a replacement might be your best option:

Age – If your boiler is 15 years or older, it might be time to update your system. Efficiency decreases over time, and a new boiler could lead to lower utility bills and improved performance.

Frequent Failure – Your boiler shouldn’t need multiple service calls in a season to remain in order. If it does, it’s time for a replacement.

Stahl Plumbing has more than 60 years of experience and prides itself on providing a wide array of services. Whether you need a boiler repair or new plumbing installation in Pittsburgh, PA, give Stahl Plumbing a call at 412-273-1000 today!